September 13, 2007
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Thursday, September 13, 2007
Ashley (our first born, organized, list making, clean freak, beautiful, blonde daughter) is not the boss of me!!!! Not today anyway. Amy, (Hillary’s new nurse with all the same skills), is now in charge of me. It’s killing Ashley and fun to watch. I’m OK with it because when Amy goes into AKO (Ass Kickin’ Organizing) mode she smiles at me EVERY TIME; unlike Ashley who has a bit more “take no prisoners approach”.
I wish Amy was taking over by way of going nose to nose and eye ball to eye ball with Ashley and staring her down to victory. That would be really fun to watch! In truth, the reason Amy must take over is because Hillary’s bacteria infection is very serious in light of her weak immune system. Ashley and our wonderful son-in-law Billy are expecting their first baby and we are taking no chances that bacteria is passed on to Hillary or Ashley and Baby Vance (Aunt Hillary’s name choice). Our best estimate is that Amy gets only two days of “The Boss” status while Hillary fights this infection. So we are going to mind Amy on every level just to frustrate Ashley who says we NEVER mind her.
So while we wait for the good news we know we will hear soon that the bacteria is retreating, I’d like to share the many good news of today:
1) Today is today and yesterday is behind us.
2) Hillary’s vitals including BP, heart rate, oxygen levels, breaths per minute are GREAT.
3) Her urine looks GREAT. (Hey, Nurse Eric’s words not mine)
4) Her color and “look” is more like Hillary again.
5) Hillary’s eyes are open a great deal and while they are not where they were in terms of alignment, etc. they are improving every single minute. Her pupils are responsive (slow but responsive all the same) and her beautiful green eyes are trying very hard to focus again.
6) She is squeezing my hand with her right hand. For those of you who have held our girl’s hand since she has been in 10 North Vandy Trauma, you didn’t feel anything like this! She really strongly squeezed several times and once or twice has pulled me back when I said I was going to let go. It’s Hillary’s squeeze…with love and expectations and demands….all rolled up into the girl we know so well.
7) Hillary has some feeling coming back in her feet. We have heard high top tennis shoes will help restore positioning of the feet and avoid the foot drops from inactivity. We hate to cover those pretty cherry red toes but a girl must do what a girl must do for the long haul.
8) Her elbow surgery (and plates) look great and in fact they have removed all bandages to give her the healing air she needs for full recovery
9) Oh my gosh, am I already at nine?!?!? (Did I say Ashley is NOT the boss of me?) Seriously number nine is the greatest positive of all. The love and concern of friends (even strangers) across the globe who are lifting Hillary up in prayer is phenomenal. Hillary’s update site has over 5,000 hits (visitors) per day! That is 5,000 times a day that each of you are thinking of her, loving her and offering prayer and asking others to do likewise for our Injured Angel.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
XOXOXO
–Shawn
Comments (7)
I am still praying for you Hillary and your family and know you can pull through this. You have such a wonderful family supporting you and it sounds like a GREAT team of nurses and physicians. John, my 8 year old, was going to ask his teacher for a special intention at school today. They have a weekly school mass (St. Mary Elementary) every Thursday so I know you had a lot of prayers heading your way this morning. I check up on you daily and hope for the very best. You deserve it! Keep fighting! Stay strong!
Lots of love,
Shelly (Parker) MacCauley, John and Parker too!
My Mom’s group at church has added you to their prayers as well. The more the merrier! Great report today. Keep up the good healing Hillary! Such happy news about Ashley as well. Give every one a hug for me. We love you!
Kim, Tom, Andy, Caroline
My Mom’s group at church has added Hillary to their prayers. We love you and pray for you as well. So pleased to hear the 9 great things today. You have a great positive attitude! Keep it up! So great to hear Ashley’s news as well. Hang in there. Be sure to eat and take care of yourself so you can take care of “Hill”
We love you all!
Tom, Kim, Andy, Caroline
There is hardly an hour that goes by without thinking about Hillary, her son, her family and the countless people that are fortunate to call her friend. She is such a wonderfully spirited person. Please know that you are all in my prayers. Stay strong and know that you have a community that loves and supports you.
Holly Lawrence
I am so happy to learn today is better. We check several times a day to see how Hillary is doing. We are sending positive thoughts, prayers and strength her direction.
Michelle/Greg Shadowens
Coltharp family,
Every time I read over the new reports on Hillary’s healing, I know that God is in total control and is caring for Hillary every second. All the love and prayers that are surrounding Hillary and your whole family is amazing. We will continue praying for all of you. I am so happy to hear that Ashley and Billy are having a baby!!
Love Always,
Angie, BZ, Brooklyn and Madelyn
Just a hello from the Lexington Keally’s to let you know you and yours are constantly in our thoughts.. For Hillary (and I am sure this is already happening) Play her favorite cds, talk to her always, not over or around her, make sure she is getting nourishment, exercise her hands and fingers and all other joints, shave her legs
– it would drive me nuts if my legs were not kept smooth hehe.. tell Hillary that crazy girl Paula loves her and only wishes I could be her nurse.. and you hang in there Paul and Shawn coz Faith and Love move mountains,,,:) Shawn – I referred to this as a covered bridge in your life – do you remember where that came from? – the retreat we all attended together at Ky Damn as “the Church Ladies”. Love will prevail ….The sun will emerge from the clouds and God will show his power over all 
LOVE YOU ALL DEARLY.. Paula and Guy